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Imperial resident seriously injured in weekend accident

By Carolyn LeeThe Imperial Republican The lone occupant of a car involved in a one-car accident last Saturday is reported to be at the University of Creighton Medical Center with head trauma. According to the Chase County Sheriff’s Department, Miguel Magallanes, 42, was driving south on State Highway 15A about 3 p.m. when the 1996 Saturn left the right side of the road about one mile north of Champion. The vehicle entered a ditch, then collided with a dirt embankment, became airborne, then landed on the right front fender, according to Sheriff Tim Sutherland. The car then rolled one and one-half times, coming to rest on its wheels. Sutherland said it wasn’t known if a seat belt was in use, as Magallanes was taken by the Imperial ambulance to Chase County Community Hospital before Deputy Vince Lopez could talk with him. Sutherland said alcohol was suspected to be a factor in the acccident. Sutherland said Magallanes was flown from CCCH to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. The sheriff said he was advised that Magallanes was then taken to the Creighton Medical Center. Sutherland said Tuesday that Magallanes was upgraded to fair condition. The owner of the Saturn was listed as Ramon Varey of Hayes Center, Sutherland said. The vehicle was a total loss, he added. The Imperial Volunteer Fire Department assisted at the scene.